Electrolyzed Saline Irrigation Clears Lung Infections in Empyema Patients
- Authors
- Kembu Nakamoto, Motohiro Takeshige, Toshiyuki Fujii, Hiroshi Hashiyada, Kazuya Yoshida, Sadahiro Kawamoto
- Journal
- Surgical Infections
- Year
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1089/sur.2015.267
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Empyema
- Body System
- Respiratory
TL;DR
Using electrolyzed saline to wash out the infected area in patients with chest infections was effective and safe, leading to quick recovery in most cases.
Summary
The study looked at 20 patients with chest infections called empyema and treated them by washing out the infected area with a special saltwater solution during a minimally invasive surgery. After treatment, the infection cleared up quickly for most patients, and their inflammation levels dropped significantly within a week. The procedure was successful in 90% of the cases, with only one patient having a recurrence and another dying from a related lung abscess.
Abstract (excerpt)
Abstract Background: The empyema space is refractory to elimination of bacterial colonization. Electrolyzed saline (ES) was used as intra-pleural irrigation for rapid disinfection of the empyema space. Patients and Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with para-pneumonic empyema were reviewed…